House fire investigation continues

October 18, 2012

A residential fire last month in Cape Coral that resulted in a total loss of property remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshal's Office.

At approximately 1:30 a.m., Sept. 17, emergency crews responded to a house fire at 410 S.W. 42nd Terrace. Upon arrival, the home was almost fully engulfed, with fire through the roof, front windows and front door.

Crews extinguished the flames, which caused an estimated $100,000 in damage to the house and damaged $50,000 in contents - a total loss.

According to a Cape fire report, the area of origin for the fire was the living room. The point of origin and heat source could not be determined at the time.

The State Fire Marshal's Office has taken over the investigation.

"We are investigating that case," spokeswoman Deborah Jamison said Thursday.

She could not comment on the point of origin or heat source.

"It is an ongoing investigation, so we can't release any details about it at this time," Jamison said.

According to a Cape police report, a woman was driving down the road when she saw the flames. Realizing there were no firefighters, she called 911.

The woman and another person tried to notify neighbors of the fire, the report states. They said the garage door of the burning home was open when they arrived.

Responding fire crews also noted that the garage door was open.

The house was unoccupied at the time of the fire. No one was injured.

The Cape fire report states that Richard Taddeo owned the home.

Officials reported Thursday that authorities were able to reach Taddeo the day after the fire. At the time, he was out of town on vacation, they said.

Investigators are seeking any information on the fire.

Anyone with information can contact the State Fire Marshal's Office, and remain anonymous, at its tip line at (877) 662-7766. If the tip leads to an arrest related to arson, the caller is eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.